There’s not a person alive that has not had to face conflict. It is important to deal with conflict properly. Conflict is either an opportunity for unity, or a divider of close friends. Conflict not handled biblically may result in the loss of a relationship, or at the very least a damaged relationship that takes much longer to grow. Conflict handled biblically often results in a stronger relationship, or at the very least a better understanding of how others think. We cannot control the reactions, words, feelings, or thoughts of others. The good news is that we are never commanded or even encouraged in the Bible to force people to do things right, or reconcile, or say right things, or act a certain way. As I have tried to learn and grow in this area, I found much peace and strength to let go, not to mention a great decrease in stress in my life. I have found that my only responsibility is to surrender MY thoughts, MY reactions, MY words, MY attitude, MY feelings to God. I can ask God to fill me with the Spirit of God, but I cannot force others to let God fill them. The Bible truth is that when there is conflict or contention it is caused by one thing, pride. Proverbs 13:10A – “Only by pride cometh contention…” So how do we handle conflict? Choose Jesus and His conflict resolution method found in Matthew 5:43-45 – “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” It’s that simple, but it’s not easy, especially when we want to give into the flesh. Crucify the fleshly reactions, and choose Jesus’ conflict resolution method. It will be worth it.